There are a hundred names for what we are—and all of them are wrong. Because we’re not one thing. We’re many things. Each endowed by Spirit with a gift that is ours and ours alone. That gift is the work we’re meant to do in the world, the blessing we’re meant to be to others. It starts searching for us the moment we’re born, and when it finds us we know, because we hear its call with our heart. Sharing that calling with others is our gift back to Spirit.
The Circle is complete.
We need no church, no graven image, no rules scratched on stone tablets or ancient scrolls. No sacred ritual or initiation is required to become what we already are—bits of god and stardust held together by divine breath and pure love.
That, my dearest daughter, is what I want you to know when you arrive. You are not here to work magick—you ARE magick.
L—
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Most writers will tell you that some books are more challenging to write than others. Some enter the world with seeming ease—a few twinges and it’s done—while others come breach, doubling us over in their struggle to be born. They make us question our abilities and say naughty words. But these are the books that stretch us as writers. As people too, I suppose. Perhaps because from the moment of conception, we have such high hopes for them. We know what we want our words to convey, what we want the book to stand for. And anything else feels like failing.
And so begin the birth pangs—the wailings and moanings, the whimpers of exhaustion. But if we’re very, very lucky, we don’t go through it alone. There are people—wonderful, talented, amazing people—who are there from first twinkle to last push, who hold our hands until the panic and sweating are over. For me, those hand-holders are:
Nalini Akolekar and the entire team at Spencerhill Associates, who took on a rookie writer eight years ago and taught her how to be an author. Gratitude doesn’t begin to express it.
Jodi Davis Warshaw, my wonderful editor, and the entire Lake Union/APub team, for the tremendous support and careful shepherding of my book babies, with a special shout-out to the art department for this gorgeous cover!
Charlotte Herscher, my developmental editor, who always knows how to pull the best from my characters, and who is an absolute joy to work with. I couldn’t have asked for a better creative partner. And finally, to Paul, my amazing copy editor, whose keen eye and attention to detail make me look far smarter than I am. Always a pleasure, sir.
The members of my wonderful and ever-expanding author community, who blow me away every day with their talent, wisdom, and unfailing generosity. I’m limited to a collective thank-you here, because your names and kindnesses are too many to list.
The book bloggers, reader page owners, and reviewers—you know who you are and how much you are loved. For your voices and your support, I’m more grateful than I can say.
Patricia Crawford, a.k.a. Mom. For believing in me when my confidence is down around my ankles, and for reminding me always to remember who I am and where I came from.
Tom Kelley—husband, life coach, beta reader, masseur, and the best hand-holder any wife could ask for. You taught me what happily-ever-after truly looks like. Thank you for every single minute of every single day.
And of course—my cherished readers. You’re my tribe, my village, my book family, and I’m continuously humbled by the time you take to read and reach out. Thank you, thank you for sitting on my shoulder every day as I write.
LAVENDER & LEMON SUGAR SCRUB
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar (white or raw)
1/4 cup coconut oil (olive oil or almond oil will also work)
6–8 drops lemon essential oil
6–8 drops lavender essential oil
Freshly grated zest from 1 lemon (optional)
Measure the sugar into a mixing bowl and set aside.
Measure the coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat until melted (30 seconds).
Pour the coconut oil into the sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the lemon and lavender oils.
If desired, zest the rind of 1 lemon and add to the mixture. Stir to combine.
Additional sugar may be added to thicken the mixture to the desired consistency.
SILKY BEDTIME BATH TEA
1/4 cup dry milk powder
1/4 cup organic oats
1/3 cup Epsom salts
1/3 cup Dead Sea salt
1/2 cup dried lavender buds
1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers
5–10 drops lavender essential oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Mason jar
Muslin drawstring bags
(All ingredients are available at Amazon.com or other herb supply dealers.)
Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
Spoon into a mason jar (or other airtight container) for storage.
To use, fill a muslin bag and pull the drawstring tight. Add to bathwater. Rinse the bag well and allow to dry for future use.
BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS
Rhanna’s revelation about her own gift helps Lizzy understand her mother’s experiences, and paves the way for reconciliation between mother and daughter. Has there ever been a time in your own life when some bit of information coming to light has helped heal a long-standing rift?
One of the key themes of the book deals with the importance of owning our own story rather than living by someone else’s rules. To live our truths without apology. In what ways has society tried to impose its own rules on women over the years? Do you believe it’s still happening today? If so, in what ways?
What do you think Lizzy needed to learn about herself and her place in the world before she could make the shift from a “safe”
